Georgia – In a devastating case of domestic violence that ended in tragedy in Georgia, a 33-year-old man, identified as S. Bloden, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional five years, for the brutal murder of his 29-year-old ex-girlfriend, identified as D. Ellison, whom he shot nearly a dozen times in front of their 5-month-old son.
Bolden was formally sentenced last week following his conviction on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said Bolden used a 9mm revolver to fire repeatedly at Ellison, continuing to shoot her even after she had collapsed. The act was premeditated, and, according to court statements, he reloaded the weapon and continued firing into her lifeless body.
The fatal encounter happened on May 6, 2021, nearly a year after Ellison had ended the relationship following a violent incident. On Mother’s Day in 2020, Bolden had allegedly slapped Ellison during an argument over her inviting her mother to dinner. She was about three months pregnant at the time. Though the romantic relationship ended, the two attempted to co-parent their newborn son in the months that followed. But on that spring day in 2021, the violence escalated into something irreversible.
Neighbors called police after hearing gunshots and the sound of someone running from Ellison’s home. When officers arrived, they were forced to kick in the door. Inside, they found Ellison covered in blood, shot multiple times, with her 5-month-old son nearby, thrown onto the bed and nearly stuck in the headboard, crying and inconsolable. The DA’s office described the scene as “truly heartbreaking.” Shortly after the killing, an anonymous tipster called 911 and reported that Bolden had confessed to the shooting. Police located his vehicle nearly 100 miles away, sparking a high-speed, multi-county chase before Georgia State Patrol troopers successfully disabled the car and arrested him.
Throughout the investigation, Bolden allegedly showed no remorse. Detectives said he lied repeatedly, manipulated the facts, and appeared indifferent to the trauma inflicted not only on Ellison but also on their infant son, who witnessed the aftermath of the violent act. In December, a jury took just 35 minutes to find him guilty on all counts, highlighting the overwhelming weight of the evidence—including witness testimony, forensic analysis, and the account of the violent chase that ended his flight.
District Attorney S. Jones used the case to reinforce her office’s focus on victims’ rights and the importance of expanding support for survivors of domestic violence. “It is cases like this one that have the DA’s Office more focused than ever on victims’ rights,” Jones said. “We will continue to fight harder than ever to assure Ellison’s family and others their memories will remain in the forefront of our minds and hearts and that their deaths or circumstances will never be in vain.” Ellison’s death has left a deep scar on her community. Her obituary remembered her as a woman with “a zest for life, a huge personality, a heart of gold and a mind of her very own.” Her laughter, smile, and voice were described as comforting, strong, and unforgettable.
While the life sentence brings some measure of accountability, Ellison’s family continues to grieve a young mother’s senseless death. They are now among those calling for stronger protections for victims of domestic abuse, especially those attempting to navigate shared parenting arrangements after violence has occurred. As the child who survived this tragic event grows older, the court’s decision ensures one thing: the man who destroyed his family in a fit of deadly violence will never walk free again.
